A fun-to-drive subcompact with exceptional fuel economy

The 2017 Ford Fiesta brings good looks, a fun driving experience, cool technology, and impressive fuel economy to the sometimes-dull subcompact category. For the new model year, Ford has also added new exterior colors like Orange Spice Metallic Tri-Coat and an improved SYNC® Infotainment system with a larger touchscreen to the already exceptional Fiesta.

Performance

The 2017 Ford Fiesta offers three engines. The standard choice is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that's capable of 120 horsepower. It’s available in five-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions and delivers 37 mpg hwy.* For even better fuel economy, there’s a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three which will get you 123 horsepower and an impressive 43 mpg on the highway.* If fun is your goal, pick the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the six-speed manual gearbox in the 197-horsepower Fiesta ST. Whichever one you choose aside, all Fiesta models are front-wheel drive.

The 2017 Ford Fiesta is one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class with surprising balance, responsiveness, and grip. The precise steering and overall performance is sure to impress you.

Features and Trims

The Fiesta’s expansive lineup includes four trim levels: S, SE, Titanium, and ST. Even the S is nicely equipped with air conditioning, 4-speaker AM/FM radio with auxiliary input, SYNC® AppLink that works with smartphones, dual USB inputs, and keyless entry. The SE adds cruise control, power windows and the MyKey® system that lets you set driving parameters such as limiting top speed—perfect for owners with younger drivers. The top-of-the-line Fiesta Titanium includes a rearview camera with reverse-sensing system; Sony® premium audio; leather seats; heated front seats; automatic climate control; and the latest SYNC® infotainment system, which includes a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone gestures like swipe and pinch-to- zoom.

Optional equipment for 2017 includes navigation, power moonroof, heated front seats, and satellite radio, and automatic transmission. The Fiesta ST hatchback can be equipped with hood stripes and height-adjustable Recaro® seats with leather and cloth upholstery (perfect for that racecar feel). The SE EcoBoost Fuel Economy Package adds the turbo-charged three-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, aerodynamic enhancements, and special tires to make it more fuel efficient.

Design

Both the sedan and hatchback are designed to seat five along with generous cargo room. The sedans have 60/40 folding rear seats for large items, and the hatchback offers over 25 cubic feet with its rear seats folded down. Controls are easy to use and comfort is above average thanks to premium materials with an overall feeling of quality.

Outside, the Fiesta is rather stylish and distinctive, making it stand out in the often-mundane subcompact category. The four-door sedan is attractive and modern, while the hatchback, which holds more cargo than the sedan, boasts even better proportions and a sportier stance. The Fiesta ST has a more aggressive, performance-oriented style with larger wheels and tires, a deeper front spoiler, ST badging, and dual chrome exhaust pipes.

Safety

High-strength lightweight boron steel throughout the 2017 Fiesta helps protect critical occupant safety zones while a driver knee airbag inflates between the driver’s knees and the instrument panel if an accident does occur. Additionally, the first- and second-row seats have side-curtain air bag protection which use roll-fold technology designed to inflate between the window glass and the passenger’s head. 

Fiesta buyers are offered no fewer than 15 driver assistance technologies, including automatic high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and an automatic parking system with this new model. The 2017 Fiesta is also the first Ford available with the latest version of the company’s autonomous city braking system, which not only helps prevent a collision with the car in front but can also detect pedestrians on or near the road.

The outer rear seats also now feature seatbelt load limiters and pre-tensioners — previously fitted only to the front seats — to help prevent injuries in an accident.

Verdict

Good looks, easy-to-use controls, and great fuel economy make the 2017 Ford Fiesta a standout in the subcompact category.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 4100 U.S. 71, Willmar, MN 56201. 

*EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

Image Credit: Ford